A house break-in on Easter Sunday in Irvine, California resulted in the arrest of five persons who authorities claim are members of a multinational organised burglary squad.
Police said they’ve linked the members, who have ties to Colombia, to other burglaries in Southern California.
Security camera footage released shows them impersonating as Amazon and food delivery people, knocking or ringing the doorbell before entering. Police informed KTLA 5 that the criminals were attempting to fit in with the areas they targeted.
The five individuals have been charged with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and drugs possession.
If you’re concerned that criminals will obtain entrance to your home using these or other strategies, there are a few things you can do to protect your belongings.
The operation
On April 20, an Irvine resident stated that his surveillance cameras captured many people unknown to him enter his home while he was abroad. They were dressed as Amazon delivery drivers. By the time the cops came, the burglars had already fled, taking costly purses, shoes, and jewellery.
However, an officer saw a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and stopped it. The driver, Jhon Osorioarias, a 24-year-old Fontana resident, stated that he was delivering meals to a customer but was unable to offer the address. Police discovered suspicious goods in his truck and arrested him for driving without a licence.
After conducting a “exhaustive investigation” on Osorioarias, they discovered he was a member of an organised burglary ring and identified his associates.
The investigators were able to orchestrate a successful operation that resulted in the arrests of the five suspects in May, thanks to the department’s drone team.
“The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be added as detectives sort through the evidence,” the police stated in a press release.
According to KTLA 5, police have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen stuff from the suspects, including cash, jewellery, designer handbags, and four guns, and are tracing the owners.